This workshop will provide you with an engaging and practical guide to navigating this new landscape, focusing on engaging with educators and building sustainable school relationships for the future.

We’ve come through some exceptional times and the educational landscape is changing rapidly. Businesses working within the sector are increasingly faced with challenges, many of which are new and not easily resolved. This workshop will provide you with an engaging and practical guide to navigating this new landscape, focussing on engaging with educators and building sustainable school relationships for the future.

The session answers questions such as: 

• What should suppliers know about schools and educators today
• What pressures are teachers and educators facing
• What can industry do to better support teachers and educators
• How can industry better engage with schools (what should they NOT do!)
• What have teachers and educators seen that really works
• What advice would teachers give to CEOs about building an educational business

The panel – Chaired by BESA Chair: Christine Major – CEO, Gluu

Jo Marshall – Executive Director, YPO

Jo joined YPO as a Business Development Manager in 2010 from her position as Head of Public Sector at Samsung Electronics. Jo was promoted to Commercial Director the following year. With a strong sales background, Jo has been working with the public sector for over 25 years. She leads the organisation’s commercial functions including Sales, Marketing, Customer Experience, and Trading. Jo was recently shortlisted for Businesswoman of the Year. Jo is also the board strategic lead for customer experience and is Vice President with the Institute of Customer Service.

Rachel Edwards – Head Faculty, Devizes School

Rachel Edwards is an experienced Head of TED (Technology, Enterprise and Design) Faculty at Devizes School. She was the previous Director of Enterprise at Brislington Enterprise College in Bristol. Her skills include change management and strategic development for the whole child in terms of careers. Rachel’s skills also include curriculum management in the complex vocational areas of study in schools. Rachel has led areas of teaching and learning, coaching, training of staff from ECT to heads of department as well as communication strategies with stakeholders to extend the learning environment. Rachel is currently completing an MBA at Salford University with a research project into the potentially changing role of uniform in educational establishments post pandemic.

Andrew Davies – Executive Headteacher, Tarvin Academy

Andy is Executive Headteacher of Tarvin and Eaton Primary Schools in Cheshire and has 11 years’ experience as a primary Headteacher. Most recently, leading these schools as they became founding members of the Sandstone Multi Academy Trust.

Andrea Welter – Assistant Head Teacher from Pheasey Park Farm Primary School and Early Years Centre

During a long-standing career, Andrea has worked across the Primary phase; extensively in Year 6. With RE as a subject specialism, Andrea is passionate about and has expertise in PSHE, Secondary Transition, Key Stage 2 Writing Moderation, Wellbeing, SMSC and Community Links. Andrea is a prolific networker and public speaker across different stakeholders and organisations. She is also a strategic thinker who leads by example and prides herself on integrity, teamwork, being a role model and a transferable skillset. Most recently, Andrea has worked with Industry Partners – GLUU, Performance Learning, Kooth and SMART. Andrea has also worked with Shireland Collegiate Academy on a Year 6 Mental Health and Wellbeing MVP. 

Martyn Palfreyman – Head of Education Outcomes for a large Local Authority.

Having originally trained as a primary teacher, Martyn has been privileged to teach in primary, secondary and Further Education. He has worked both a Secondary Headteacher and senior leader in a number of settings. He has worked in both academies and LA schools and has a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of school leadership. Martyn skills include curriculum development, school business operations, community engagement, sixth form and governance.  Martyn has previously worked at a large Local Authority as a senior manager in the £300m Building Schools for the Future team. He project managed 10 new school builds/refurbishments. He has been recognised as an open, honest, hands on leader who is able to get back to basics and make a difference